On the upcoming Vermont Air National Guard deployment

As the Vermont Air National Guard 158th Fighter Wing are called upon to serve overseas, I would like to express my appreciation for their service and sacrifice. All Vermonters can be proud of the fine men and women who so selflessly serve to protect the interests of our nation. The timing of this deployment means that guard members will be away from their families during the holidays; the families of the deployed have my sincere empathy. Vermont is in many ways a tight-knit community, and it is important that we come together to support and console these families as they cope with this separation.